Safety Issues

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates
that 3500 people, primarily young children, were treated in
hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to inflatable
amusement devices in 2006 -- triple the number of injuries
recorded in 1997.

Blow-overs and collapses due to equipment failure or
improper setup can, and do, cause catastrophic accidents.

Inadequate supervision increases the danger of broken
bones and dislocations. Allowing younger children to jump
with older children is the most common safety hazard cited
by safety officials.

Inflatable attractions are exempt from safety oversight
in many states, including California and Florida.

In 2001, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
issued a
safety bulletin to ride inspectors and owners of
inflatable amusement rides.

In
2009, Children's Hospital, Los Angeles
published findings from a study of skeletal injuries
related to the use of inflatable bouncers.

1.1% (49) children treated for fractures in their
Level I trauma center from October 2002 to March 2007 were
hurt while using inflatable bouncers.

74% of those injured were male and the mean age was
7.8 (range 1.5-15) years.

Almost half of the families (21/49) were reached by
telephone. Among those interviewed: 1) all stated the
injury occurred at home on a rented device; 2) 43% stated
that adult supervision was absent at the time of injury;
3) 53% stated that children of different ages were jumping
inside together; 4) the two most common mechanisms of
injury were collision between two children (67%) and
falling outside of the bouncer (19%).

The authors noted that injury mechanism and fracture
distribution were similar for inflatable bouncers and
trampolines; however only 14 trampoline injuries were
treated during the same time period.

Parents are cautioned to supervise children while
playing in inflatable bouncers, and to place children in
small groups according to their size (i.e., don't allow
older children to jump with younger children).

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Inflatable Rental
Company

Inflatables, also known as moonwalks, bounce houses and
jumpers are popping up at carnivals, festivals, schools,
churches, malls and even in your own backyard. And, while they
are still simplistic in nature, they have evolved from the
basic box we played in as kids into elaborately designed
structures which can include slides and obstacle courses. So,
the question is: with tens of thousands of inflatable
operators in the U.S., how do you choose the inflatable rental
company that’s right for you? Ask the following questions:

Does the company deliver, set up
and supervise the use of the equipment?
Proper set up is essential to reducing your risk potential.
The unit must be situated on
level ground and must be
anchored by stakes or weights. Fall zones must be
adequately padded. Does the company train its setup crew?
Do they offer trained operators to supervise use? Adult
supervision is essential to preventing injuries from
occurring. Allowing younger children to jump with older
children is the most common safety hazard cited by safety
officials.

Does the company properly
maintain its equipment?
Is the equipment clean? Free of damage? Companies should
follow manufacturer’s recommendations, operating
instructions, and proper safety inspection and maintenance
schedules. Ask the operator about his or her experience,
safety record and employee training programs.

Does the company have adequate
liability insurance?
Cities, schools and many churches require inflatable
companies to be properly insured when hired for use on their
property. This includes city parks. Ask to see the company’s
certificate of liability insurance.

If you rent an inflatable for a party or family event,
consumers should keep the following in mind:

Be aware of the risks.

Pay attention to the weather. Avoid use on windy and
wet days.

Make sure the inflatable is secured to the ground.

Make sure the children are supervised at all times.

Limit the number of children in the inflatable and do
not allow older children to jump with younger children.

Awareness and safety are
the key words when incorporating inflatables into your event.
Inflatables can be dangerous when the rules are broken, but
they're great fun when the safety rules are followed.

Entertainment Connection, Inc. believes in
the safe setup and operation of amusement ride devices. Listed below are
the websites or PDF versions of the amusement device rules and regulations
by State.